Backpack recommendation

I own 3 Ospreys. I love the Fairview 45 liter and I just got the Fairview rolling/combo backpack. I am a petite old fogey and I can carry them with ease. With my new roller/carry combo pack, I bought the Osprey travel day pack that fastens to the back pack. It's perfect for having extra space.

https://www.osprey.com/featured/shop-by-collections/new-farpoint-fairview

A lot depends on how much walking you will do while wearing the backpack. For example if you will be walking a mile or so from your lodging to the train station you might want a backpack with an internal frame. The osprey Farpoint for men and Fairview for women both have internal frames that redistribute the weight from your shoulders on to your hips. The Fairview’s frame is somewhat adjustable which might work better for those with shorter torsos. I’m 5’2” and have an older version of the Fairview that came in two sizes. Mine is XS and is 38 liters. The standard size is 40.

A number of folks here like the Cotopaxi backpacks. They have a slimmer profile and the hip belt is storable separately from the shoulder straps. Unlike the Ospreys which stow the shoulder straps and hip belt together. I have the 28 liter Cotopaxi and like it for shorter trips. The Cotopaxis do not have an internal frame so might be tiring if carrying for long periods.

One thing to consider is weight. I like to keep my fully packed bag at under 18 pounds.

If you live near an REI try on the different bags and ask the staff to load them with at least 20 pounds. Then walk around the store.

Hi, I’m a female in my late 60’s and am 5’8” tall. I’m one of the travelers who love my Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack. I keep the total weight down to 13.5 pounds, plus I bring a Sherpani lightweight tote with a small purse tucked inside. The total of the packed crossbody Sherpani is 3.5 pounds. (Part of the tote weight is initially packed protein bars/nuts)

One point about the Cotopaxi - they come in a set of colors options, or they have the Del Dia colors that are made with the scraps, so they’re multiple colors all over the bag. I have one of the regular color bags, and I noticed in the Cotopaxi store at Christmas that the Del Dia colors large rectangular panel does not have the thicker protective finish on it compared to the regular color options. I definitely like the protective finish for staying cleaner in trains and to keep dog hair of it, etc.

Whatever you decide, I recommend it has a good waist/hip belt. You want the weight distributed off of your shoulders. I can easily walk a mile with my backpack from a train station to a hotel, doing it about every other day for several weeks. It’s also easy to grab since there’s a handle-hold on all four sides. And the clamshell opening with the mesh holders are a fantastic feature!

The article in this post might be helpful:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/ny-mag-article-on-best-carry-on-backpacks

You can't go wrong with an Osprey Fairview/Farpoint.

In any event, the important features are the hip belt and an internal frame for weight transfer. Internal and external compression straps are helpful to cinch up the contents and give structure to a bag for better weight transfer to the hip belt if an internal frame is lacking or removed to save weight. Colours, pockets, compartments and zipper locations are matters of personal style or tastes.

Have you ever traveled with just a backpack?

If not, my suggestion is to get hold of one--borrow from a friend if you can--fill it to the approximate weight you waould take to Europe, and go take a walk. I don't mean around your house. I mean around the block. Up and down hills or staircases if possible. Go for at least 20-30 minutes.

Then, ask yourself how well you did. Would you want to travel this way? If yes, go for it. If not, think
about wheels.

There are many travel backpacks on the market. They range in price from around $40 to over $300. (The cheaper ones can be found on Amazon.) What is your budget?

For women:
Try to be more minimalist in packing. Stay in the 35-40 liter range. Based on personal travel - I think even 45 liters is getting too large. Use packing cubes. If you are not traveling with a computer - then try to get a bag without a computer pocket. Extra pockets just add to bulk and infringe on overall volume. Checkout trusted brands like Osprey, patagonia, Cotopaxi, Cabin Zero, etc.. I also find it helpful to watch YouTube reviews on products before purchasing. Check-out OneBag Travels with green circle logo on YouTube and others. This will give you a better sense of the product and how it fits. There’s also Tom Bihn bags - nice, but very pricey. Bellroy is an option.

Go to an REI and take a look at their backpacks. Try them on and talk to their personnel about what you are looking for. They carry several of the of the brands that have already been mentioned. They have a very liberal return policy if you decide you don't like it.
FYI, we have several travel bags (!) including Tom Bihn and Osprey. If we were to go looking for another bag, we would look at the Cotopaxi bags like the Allpa 35L Travel bag.

Visiting an REI or quality outdoor hiking store is a good suggestion to see and try on different packs and get suggestions. I like to read reviews at Gear Lab of outdoor products I'm interested in buying. I have added that link as well as the link for a site search using the term, travel backpacks. Some of the bags members have suggested are included in the Gear Lab tests. I have no recommendation on a back pack as my wife and I both use two wheel Eagle Creek bags.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/search?ftr=travel+backpacks

I don't know how long your trip is. I recommend packing about 4-5 days of clothing, etc. and doing laundry. It's worth it. Either do it yourself or pay a laundromat to do it for you. Worth it either way. Then, force yourself to pack within the limits of your 35 - 40 liter bag.

I agree with the advice to visit REI and get help with fit. Rather than using the weights in the store, my advice is to pack your things in packing cubes and take those to the store. You're very small, and your clothes are very small. If you choose the lightest weight clothes, shoes, toiletries and packing containers, you're likely to find that you don't need anything like a 40L backpack. If you don't plan to check the bag at all, you don't need to worry about tuck-away straps, either. So look at all the backpacks (the hiking ones, the daypacks, etc). Just make sure the bag will fit in the carryon sizer of your chosen airline. If it doesn't, you're taking too much stuff in too big a bag.

Pack Hacker on YouTube has useful travel backpack reviews.